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For more than eight months, an emergency declaration has been in place in the District because of COVID-19. Special protections for District residents have been in place too, including a ban on price gouging. Most—but not all—District businesses have been following the law. In a price gouging lawsuit my office filed this month, we alleged that Capitol Petroleum Group (CPG), a major gasoline seller, overcharged consumers at 54 gas stations in the District during the emergency. Our investigation revealed that CPG unlawfully doubled average profits per gallon of gas at the expense of District consumers and at one point applied a markup of nearly 150% to the prices it charged other retailers.

This lawsuit should be a reminder for District residents and businesses alike: OAG will continue to protect District consumers, tenants, and workers during the COVID-19 emergency. That means we're going to enforce the ban on price gouging and enforce the ban on evictions and rent increases. If you believe a District business, landlord, or employer is violating the law, submit a complaint to OAG by calling (202) 442-9828, emailing Consumer.Protection@dc.gov, or submitting a complaint online.

I’m proud of our residents for adapting to the growing challenges of this pandemic. You have heeded to public health guidance to wear a mask, physically distance, and whenever possible, stay home to prevent the spread. I know this hasn’t been easy, but the virus is not gone yet. Let’s continue to follow these precautions to stop the spread and save lives.

Karl A. Racine
Attorney General 

Ensuring Greater Accountability for Law Enforcement

In response to nationwide calls for police reform, the Council of the District of Columbia passed legislation which included a provision to prevent the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) union and the District from including officer disciplinary matters in future collective-bargaining agreements. The union filed suit against the District in response, and OAG, which defends the District in court, successfully had the case dismissed this November.

Promoting Public Safety Through Restorative Justice

Seema Gajwani, Special Counsel for Juvenile Justice Reform and Chief for OAG's Restorative Justice Section (photo credit: Darrow Montgomery).

OAG was proud to see our very own Seema Gajwani featured in the Washington City Paper's 2020 People Issue. Thanks to her leadership, OAG has facilitated more than 150 restorative justice conferences and continues to work on reforms that address the root-causes of crime and enhance public safety. 

Protecting a Secure, Free, and Fair Election

Attorneys General have been at the forefront of protecting the 2020 election to ensure that it is free and fair for everyone – and indeed it was. President Trump’s own DHS called it, “the most secure in American history.”  The American people have spoken, and no person or power is greater than the will of the people. Yet, U.S. Attorney General Barr is using the Department of Justice to try to delegitimize the results. That’s why AG Racine joined 22 AGs from around the country urging him to stop interfering in the process.

OP-ED: Unequal Justice Under the Law

Last month, AG Racine, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, Delaware AG Kathy Jennings, and Jonathan Miller with Public Rights Project wrote in The Hill expressing their concerns with the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. They fear this confirmation marks a significant tipping point for access to justice, shifting away from protecting workers’ interests to instead protect the interests of big businesses.

CONTEST: Countering Hate Through Art

Fly Zyah, a 9-year-old emcee and rapper from D.C. performs at OAG's Artists V. Hate event.

In partnership with Project Create, a non-profit that provides arts education and enrichment to underserved children and youth in the District, OAG launched a D.C. youth art competition called Artists v. Hate, Standing Up for Humanity. This competition is designed to empower District youth to stand up against hate, to promote social justice, and to inspire change through art. Learn more about the competition and encourage D.C. youth ages 11-19 to submit a design by Monday, January 4, 2021 for the chance to win cash prizes. Need inspiration? Watch the virtual kickoff event featuring local D.C. artists who performed spoken word, rap, and more!

Fighting for Vulnerable Residents

OAG was proud to accept this year’s Heschel Vision Awards from our friends at Jews United for Justice, a grassroots community that seeks to repair the world by working locally for social, racial, and economic justice. The award recognizes leaders in the D.C. community who embody Rabbi Heschel’s teaching to live a moral life. OAG was recognized for working to protect vulnerable communities from unscrupulous landlords and employers.

Announcing New Leadership Hires

Sophia Ticer (left); Emily Gunston (middle); and Erin E. Wilson (right).

OAG announced the appointments of Sophia Ticer as Deputy Attorney General, leading OAG’s Child Support Services Division; Emily Gunston as Senior Counsel to the Attorney General, overseeing OAG’s legislative and intergovernmental efforts and advising on a range of legal issues; and Erin E. Wilson as Director of Presidential Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor, focusing on OAG initiatives to counter hate in the District and nationally.